PERSONAL ASSETS TRUST PLC

Transcription

1 PERSONAL ASSETS TRUST PLC INTERIM REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2013

2 FINANCIAL SUMMARY Personal Assets Trust ( PAT ) is an independent investment trust run expressly for private investors. The Company s investment policy is to protect and increase (in that order) the value of shareholders funds per share over the long term. Over the six months to 31 October 2013 PAT s net asset value per share ( NAV ) fell by 4.9% to compared to a rise of 5.8% in our comparator, the FTSE All-Share Index. PAT s share price fell by to over the same period, being a premium of 0.6% to the Company s NAVatthatdate. Over the three years to 31 October 2013 the NAV rose by 10.5% compared to the FTSE All-Share Index s rise of 22.1%. This underperformance of 9.5% is equivalent to 3.3% per annum over the three year period. We continue to believe that in present circumstances it is appropriate to maintain a substantial margin of liquidity. At 31 October 2013 PAT had effective liquidity of 48.5% of shareholders funds (59.8% including the holding of 11.3% in gold bullion, which the Board regards as being part of PAT s liquidity). Over the six months PAT s shares continued to trade close to NAV. We issued 59,573 Ordinary shares (adding 20.7 million of new capital) at a small premium to satisfy continuing demand for the Company s shares and bought back 1,825 Ordinary shares at a small discount. Dividends are paid in July, October, January and April of each year. The first interim dividend of 1.40 per Ordinary share was paid to shareholders on 19 July 2013 and the second interim dividend of 1.40 was paid on 18 October A third interim dividend of 1.40 per Ordinary share and a fourth interim dividend of 1.40 per Ordinary share will be paid in January and April 2014 respectively, making a total for the year of 5.60 per Ordinary share. Thereafter, the Board will review the level of the dividend. KEY FEATURES As at As at As at 31 October 31 October 30 April Market Capitalisation 586.9m 546.3m 601.9m Shareholders Funds 583.7m 538.0m 593.2m Shares Outstanding 1,743,649 1,560,986 1,685,901 Effective Liquidity 59.8% (1) 50.8% (2) 56.5 (3) Share Price NAV per Share FTSE All-Share Index 3, , , Premium to NAV 0.6% 1.5% 1.5% Earnings per Share Dividend per Share Effective liquidity includes holding in gold of: (1) 11.3%; (2) 13.9%; and (3) 12.2%.

3 PERFORMANCE Share Price and NAV in versus FTSE All-Share Index Share Price Index Net Asset Value Index FTSE All-Share Index Source: Thomson Reuters Datastream Performance Relative to FTSE All-Share Index NAV Relative to FTSE All-Share Index NAV (Total Return) Relative to FTSE All-Share Index (Total Return) Source: Thomson Reuters Datastream 70 Interim Report

4 PORTFOLIO AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2013 Valuation Shareholders 31 October 2013 funds Holding Country Equity Sector 000 % US TIPS USA 115, Gold Bullion 66, UK Treasury Bills UK 46, Singapore Treasury Bills Singapore 45, UK Index-Linked Gilts UK 26, British American Tobacco UK Tobacco 24, Nestlé Switzerland Food Producer 21, Imperial Oil Canada Oil & Gas 17, Microsoft USA Software 17, GlaxoSmithKline UK Pharmaceuticals 16, Coca-Cola USA Beverages 15, Becton Dickinson USA Pharmaceuticals 14, Philip Morris International USA Tobacco 13, Sage Group UK Technology 13, Altria USA Tobacco 12, Colgate Palmolive USA Personal Products 11, Berkshire Hathaway USA Insurance 10, Dr Pepper Snapple USA Beverages 9, Unilever UK Food Producer 9, Newmont Mining USA Mining 8, Diageo UK Beverages 5, Greggs UK Food 4, Newcrest Mining Australia Mining 3, Agnico Eagle Mines Canada Mining 3, Total investments 534, Net current assets 48, Shareholders' funds 583, GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF EQUITY INVESTMENTS AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2013 Valuation Equity 31 October 2013 investments 000 % USA equities 113, UK equities 74, Swiss equities 21, Canadian equities 21, Australian equities 3, Total equity investments 234, Personal Assets Trust PLC

5 INVESTMENT ADVISER S REPORT Over the half year to 31 October 2013 the net asset value per share ( NAV ) of Personal Assets Trust ( PAT ) fell by 4.9%, while our comparator the FTSE All-Share Index ( FTSE ), rose by 5.8%. Our short term performance was disappointing. Having made good progress in generating positive returns until the summer of 2012, we failed to capture the more recent upside in stock markets. Performance was negatively affected by weakness in index-linked bonds and gold, lacklustre performance from some stocks and the drag from holding cash in a rising market. Despite subdued economic and corporate profits growth compared to previous cycles, stocks have in our view been driven up unjustifiably on a wave of QE-led liquidity. Two years ago US GDP growth for 2013 was forecast by the Federal Reserve to be 2.5% but is now expected to come in at 1.6%. Similarly, in the UK the Office of Budget Responsibility forecast 2.9% growth for 2013 but it is now expected to be a meagre 1.4%. Furthermore, despite policy makers desperate attempts to encourage consumers to take on more leverage, existing high debt levels are likely to constrain future growth. A number of our stocks tracked sideways over the past year or so, Coca-Cola, BAT and Unilever to name but three. This is not to say that these strong franchises have deteriorated, but because for the time being there is greater enthusiasm for higher risk, recovery-related sectors such as airlines, autos, banks and house builders. Such sectors hold little appeal for us as long term investors because they have a history of creating little value over the cycle. We hope, instead, for opportunities to add to our existing holdings at more attractive valuations. Recent weakness in the price of gold has been unwelcome, but just because an insurance policy does not pay out for one year in thirteen it does not mean we should not hold it. The opportunity cost of holding gold is now low. Negative real interest rates are here to stay. Beggar-my-neighbour policies, reminiscent of the 1930s, instigated by central banks to keep their currencies competitive will lead to an on-going debasement of paper currencies. The rigging of financial markets by central banks will not end well. Gold, therefore, is not a short term trade but long term portfolio insurance. Portfolio turnover was minimal during the six month period. Share price weakness enabled us to acquire one new holding, Dr Pepper Snapple Group. The origins of the soft drinks company go back to 1885, one year before Coca-Cola. We have a preference for businesses with longevity and strong brands that sell necessities or small luxuries that generate consistent cash returns. Management has a history of rewarding shareholders via healthy dividends and share buybacks. Contrarian investment is always a challenge. Back in 2009 and 2010 we found a number of outstanding investment opportunities which we felt confident would generate good long term returns. Today s investment landscape is more like a barren desert, with only very select opportunities available. As stock markets race to new all-time highs we become ever more sceptical and cautious. Driving up valuations also drives up risk. The proportion of stocks bought with borrowed money on the NYSE has hit all-time highs and the number of new issues coming to the market, especially from private equity, is reminiscent of 1999 or By not permitting markets to function properly, central banks are sowing the seeds of the next crisis. Try as they may, they cannot rig the markets for ever; and finding a way to escape from the unconventional policy that has prevailed since 2009 will prove challenging. Central banks are in a trap of their own making. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke s merest hint of a wish to taper QE in June sent bond and equity markets into a spin, exposing the vulnerability of all asset markets to a halt in monetary stimulus. Credibility is hard won and easily lost. Like Goethe s Sorcerer s Apprentice, central banks risk losing control of the excess liquidity, ultimately leading to currency crises and higher levels of inflation. We need to prepare for such an eventuality, even though others are partying like it s Sebastian Lyon, Investment Adviser On behalf of the Board, Robin J Angus, Executive Director Interim Report

6 CONDENSED GROUP INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2013 (Unaudited) Six months ended 31 October 2013 Revenue Capital Return Return Total Investment income 5,569 5,569 Other operating income (Losses)/gains on investments held at fair value through profit or loss (33,081) (33,081) Foreign exchange gains/(losses) 5,439 5,439 Total income 5,743 (27,642) (21,899) Expenses (1,356) (1,284) (2,640) Profit before taxation 4,387 (28,926) (24,539) Taxation (250) (250) (Loss)/profit for the period 4,137 (28,926) (24,789) Earnings per share 2.39 ( 16.73) ( 14.34) The column of this statement headed Total represents the Group s Income Statement, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. The revenue return and capital return columns are supplementary to this and are prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. The Group does not have any income or expense that is not included in the loss or profit for the period other than expenses of 43,000 charged directly to the Share Premium account in respect of the issue of the Company s Shares in the year ended 30 April Accordingly the loss or profit for the period is also the total comprehensive income for the period. 4 Personal Assets Trust PLC

7 (Unaudited) (Audited) Six months ended Year ended 31 October April 2013 Revenue Capital Revenue Capital Return Return Total Return Return Total ,212 4,212 11,695 11, ,888 14,888 31,804 31,804 (730) (730) (6,629) (6,629) 4,391 14,158 18,549 12,004 25,175 37,179 (1,236) (1,162) (2,398) (2,612) (2,448) (5,060) 3,155 12,996 16,151 9,392 22,727 32,119 (220) (220) (590) (590) 2,935 12,996 15,931 8,802 22,727 31, Interim Report

8 CONDENSED GROUP BALANCE SHEET AS AT31 OCTOBER 2013 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) 31 October 31 October 30 April Non current assets Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 534, , ,744 Net current assets 48,754 5,641 16,501 Net assets 583, , ,245 Total equity 583, , ,245 Net asset value per Ordinary share CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2013 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) Six months Six months Year ended ended ended 31 October 31 October 30 April Opening equity shareholders funds 593, , ,473 (Loss)/profit for the period (24,789) 15,931 31,529 Ordinary dividends paid (4,842) (4,107) (8,631) Issue of Ordinary shares 20,678 62, ,874 Buy-back of Ordinary shares (610) Closing equity shareholders funds 583, , ,245 6 Personal Assets Trust PLC

9 CONDENSED GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2013 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) Six months Six months Year ended ended ended 31 October 31 October 30 April Net cash inflow from operating activities 2,332 2,577 4,333 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 16,810 (63,172) (90,444) Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing activities 19,142 (60,595) (86,111) Net cash inflow from financing activities 16,454 58,473 97,986 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 35,596 (2,122) 11,875 Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the period 9,306 5,535 5,535 Realised gains/(losses) on foreign currency 11,018 3,923 (8,104) Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 55,920 7,336 9,306 Interim Report

10 NOTES 1. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard ( IFRS ) IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and, except as described below, the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts of the Group for the year ended 30 April The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 April 2013, which were prepared under full IFRS requirements. The Group has adopted the following new standards and amendments to standards, including any consequential amendments to other standards, with a date of initial application of 1 January The following changes in accounting standards are also expected to be reflected in the Group s consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ending 30 April Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income (Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements ). The amendments to IAS 1 change the grouping of items presented in Other Comprehensive Income in its Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Items that could be reclassified to profit or loss at a future point in time are now required to be presented separately from items that will never be reclassified. The amendment has no impact on the recognised assets, liabilities and comprehensive income of the Group. IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (2011). IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance under IFRS for all fair value measurements. IFRS 13 does not change when an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provides guidance on how to measure fair value under IFRS when fair value is required or permitted. In particular, it unifies the definition of fair value as the price at which an ordinary transaction to sell an asset or to transfer a liability would take place between investor participants at the measurement date. It also replaces and expands the disclosure requirements about fair value measurements in other IFRSs, including IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. Some of these disclosures are specifically required in interim financial statements for financial instruments; accordingly, the Group has included additional disclosures in this regard (see note 6). The change has no significant impact on the measurement of the Group s assets and liabilities. 2. The return per Ordinary share figure is based on the net loss for the six months of 24,789,000 (six months ended 31 October 2012: net profit of 15,931,000; year ended 30 April 2013: net profit of 31,529,000) and on 1,728,586 (six months ended 31 October 2012: 1,469,780; year ended 30 April 2013: 1,546,313) Ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the respective periods. 3. In respect of the year ending 30 April 2014 the Board has declared a first interim dividend of 1.40 per Ordinary share, which was paid on 19 July 2013, and a second interim dividend of 1.40 per Ordinary share, which was paid on 18 October In respect of the year ended 30 April 2013 the Board declared four interim dividends of 1.40 per Ordinary share. This gave a total dividend for the year ended 30 April 2013 of 5.60 per Ordinary share. 4. At 31 October 2013 there were 1,743,649 Ordinary shares in issue (31 October 2012: 1,560,986; 30 April 2013: 1,685,901). During the six months ended 31 October 2013 the Company issued 59,573 Ordinary shares and bought back 1,825 Ordinary shares to be held in treasury for future re-issue. 5. The Board has considered the requirements of IFRS 8 Operating Segments. The Board is of the view that the Group is engaged in a single segment of business, being that of investing in equity shares, fixed interest securities and other investments, and that therefore the Group has only a single operating segment. 8 Personal Assets Trust PLC

11 6. The Group held the following categories of financial instruments as at 31 October 2013: Level Investments 534,928 Current assets 846 Total 535,774 The above table provides an analysis of investments based on the fair value hierarchy described below and which reflects the reliability and significance of the information used to measure their fair value. The levels are determined by the lowest (that is the least reliable or least independently observable) level of impact that is significant to the fair value measurement for the individual investment in its entirety as follows: Level 1 reflects financial instruments quoted in an active market. Level 2 reflects financial instruments the fair value of which is evidenced by comparison with other observable current market transactions in the same instrument or based on a valuation technique the variables of which include only data from observable markets. Level 3 reflects financial instruments the fair value of which is determined in whole or in part using a valuation technique based on assumptions that are not supported by prices from observable market transactions in the same instrument and not based on available observable market data. There were no transfers of investments between levels in the period ended 31 October The following table summarises the Group s Level 1 investments that were accounted for at fair value in the period to 31 October Group (Level 1) 000 Opening book cost 486,743 Opening fair value adjustment 96,427 Opening valuation 583,170 Movement in the year: Purchases at cost 264,602 Effective yield adjustment 911 Sales proceeds (274,603) Sales gains on sales 4,504 Increase in fair value adjustment (42,810) Closing valuation at 31 October ,774 Closing book cost 482,157 Closing fair value adjustment 53,617 Closing valuation at 31 October ,774 Other aspects of the Group s financial risk management objectives and policies are consistent with those disclosed in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 April Interim Report

12 NOTES (continued) The fair value of the group s financial assets and liabilities as at 31 October 2013 was not materially different from their carrying values in the financial statements. 7. These are not full statutory accounts in terms of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and are unaudited. Statutory accounts for the year ended 30 April 2013, which received an unqualified audit report and which did not contain a statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006, have been lodged with the Registrar of Companies. No full statutory accounts in respect of any period after 30 April 2013 have been reported on by the Company s auditors or delivered to the Registrar of Companies. 10 Personal Assets Trust PLC

13 STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES The Board believes that the principal risks to shareholders, which it seeks to mitigate through continual review of its investments and through shareholder communication, are events or developments which can affect the general level of share prices, including, for instance, inflation or deflation, economic recessions and movements in interest rates and currencies. Other risks faced, and the way in which they are managed, are described in more detail under the heading Principal Risks and Risk Management within the Business Review in the Company s Annual Report for the year ended 30 April The Company s principal risks and uncertainties have not changed since the date of the Annual Report and are not expected to change for the remaining six months of the Company s financial year. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS During the period the Company paid 15,000 for the rental of the Executive Office to Rushbrook & Co LLP, of which Frank Rushbrook is a partner. The notice period on the lease is six months. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF THE INTERIM REPORT We confirm that to the best of our knowledge: the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU; the Interim Management Report includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ( DTR ) 4.2.7R, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; the Statement of Principal Risks and Uncertainties shown above is a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R; and the condensed financial statements include a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Company during the period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report that could do so. On behalf of the Board, Hamish N Buchan, Chairman 21 November 2013 Interim Report

14 CORPORATE INFORMATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hamish Buchan (Chairman) Robin Angus Gordon Neilly Stuart Paul Frank Rushbrook EXECUTIVE OFFICE Robin Angus (Executive Director) Steven Budge Steven Cowie Steven Davidson Matthew Fleming 10 St Colme Street Edinburgh EH3 6AA Telephone: SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION Telephone: INVESTMENT ADVISER Troy Asset Management Limited Brookfield House 44 Davies Street London W1K 5JA CUSTODIAN BANK JPMorgan Chase Bank 125 London Wall London EC2Y 5AJ SOLICITORS Dickson Minto WS 16 Charlotte Square Edinburgh EH2 4DF COMPANY SECRETARY Steven Davidson ACIS Personal Assets Trust Administration Company Limited 10 St Colme Street Edinburgh EH3 6AA Telephone: REGISTRARS Equiniti Limited Aspect House Spencer Road Lancing West Sussex BN99 6DA Telephone: INVESTMENT PLAN ADMINISTRATION Halifax Share Dealing Limited Lovell Park Road Leeds LS1 1NS Telephone: STOCKBROKER JPMorgan Cazenove 10 Aldermanbury London EC2V 7RF AUDITOR Ernst & Young LLP Ten George Street Edinburgh EH2 2DZ REGISTERED OFFICE 10 St Colme Street Edinburgh EH3 6AA Telephone: IDENTIFICATION CODES SEDOL: ISIN: GB Bloomberg: PNL LN EPIC: PNL 12 Personal Assets Trust PLC

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16 Personal Assets Trust PLC, 10 St Colme Street, Edinburgh EH3 6AA. Shareholder Information: Website: